Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.







eMac Q&A - Published April 17, 2008

To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.




How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the eMac models?

The Apple Support Site provides instructions for installing RAM as well as replacing the AirPort card and battery in the original and ATI as well as the USB 2.0 and 2005 eMac systems.

However, Apple does not consider the Ultra ATA/66 hard drive in the original and ATI models or the Ultra ATA/100 hard drive in the USB 2.0 and 2005 eMac models to be a "customer-installable part" and declines to provide replacement instructions. Consequently, EveryMac.com does not recommend that users attempt to upgrade the hard drive themselves.

The eMac isn't the easiest system to upgrade the hard drive, and as such, users with limited experience upgrading computers would be wise to instead purchase an external USB or Firewire hard drive for a quick and easy upgrade. Even those with experience upgrading systems might prefer to purchase an external drive rather than go to the trouble of disassembling the computer and the risk of dealing with an exposed CRT-display.


Photo Credit: Lance J. Technoweb (Left - Back Removed, Right - Board/Drive)

Nevertheless, for the adventurous, where Apple dares not tread the blogosphere boldly goes, and the Lance J. Technoweb blog provides detailed instructions and commentary regarding an individual's experience upgrading the hard drive in the original eMac.

Site sponsor Other World Computing sells internal hard drives for the eMac models as well as quick-and-easy external USB and Firewire hard drives that will work with the eMac as well as other Macs.

Does the eMac have PCI slots or expansion bays?

No. The eMac is designed to be simple and inexpensive, and consequently, there is no internal expansion other than AirPort for the original and ATI models or AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth for the USB 2.0 and 2005 models.



Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices




<< eMac Q&A (Main)



Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.